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Renounce or Lose Your U.S. Citizenship

You will no longer be an American citizen if you voluntarily give up (renounce) your U.S. citizenship.

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you:

Giving up your U.S. citizenship has consequences. You should never make this decision lightly, as it can only be undone under very limited circumstances. Renouncing your U.S. citizenship means that you:

  • Give up your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.
  • Must become a citizen of another nation, or risk becoming "stateless."
  • May need a visa to visit the United States.

Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where you intend to live to renounce your U.S. citizenship.

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Last Updated: February 19, 2020

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